Pastor Creflo Dollar: TAKING REFUGE IN THE ROCK

Solid rock is known for its strength, immobility, and ability to provide protection against an attack. In ancient times, fortresses were made of rock to keep their occupants safe, and during battles entire armies could hide inside for protection. In times of trouble so severe that we feel like running away and hiding, we can take refuge in Christ. When we depend on Him, He is our rock and our safe place.

There are many places in the Bible where God is referred to as a rock, and for good reason. Depending on ourselves for our own security is risky; the unexpected could happen and knock down our fragile, perceived sense of safety. God is immovable and unshakeable, and we can hide in Him when danger is near. “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (Psalm 18:2). When all of our own safety nets fail, nothing can break through the protection God provides.

Because of its impenetrable nature, solid rock provides safety and security for those who seek it, but it also has the potential to harm anyone trying to smash their way through it. The protection Jesus provides for us when we trust in Him has two sides to it. He promises to shield us from harm, but He offers no such guarantee to those who don’t believe in His ability and willingness to protect. “Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes”?…And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder” (Matthew 21:42, 44, NKJV). God doesn’t harm anyone, but people who refuse to trust in Him for protection leave themselves open to destruction.

In the Old Testament, young David trusted in God for his protection. When powerful King Saul learned God was planning to make David the next king, Saul did everything in his power to kill David. Saul put himself outside of God’s wall of protection and eventually died by his own hand. During his ordeal, David wrote a number of psalms praising God and giving Him glory for his protection. “Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust…It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword” (Psalm 144:1, 2, 10).

When we find ourselves in the midst of a threatening situation, we can trust God to deliver us from harm. It doesn’t matter what it looks like at the time; God is bigger than anything that comes our way. The promise of protection He gave to David is the same promise on which we can stand today. It hasn’t changed, and it never will. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8, NKJV).

When we have faith in God, He ensures our safety. Trouble can present itself, but it can’t overcome us. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Making Him our rock gives us the stability we need to endure things that knock others down.